The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has unveiled shocking human rights abuses against its leadership and members in its recently released ‘End of Second Term Report 2024’. The union is calling for urgent intervention amid a deteriorating crisis and the struggle for dignified working conditions and quality education.
A particularly harrowing case involves the national secretary-general, Robson Chere, who was allegedly subjected to horrific torture including head shaving with a knife, waterboarding, and assault with metal rods. ARTUZ characterizes these acts as a severe breach of universal human rights and a reflection of systemic abuse by the Zimbabwean government.
“The reported torture and abuse of Robson Chere, the national secretary general of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), is a deeply disturbing violation of human rights that cannot be tolerated.
“The allegations of having his head shaved with a knife, waterboarding, and assault with metal rods are truly horrifying and represent a grave breach of the universal prohibition on torture,” an extract from the report highlights.
As indicated by the report, the aforementioned actions, not only violate universal prohibitions against torture but also reflect a broader pattern of systemic abuse by the Zimbabwean government.
The report criticizes the government for failing to uphold its fundamental duty to protect the rights of its citizens.
“The Zimbabwean government has a fundamental duty to protect the human rights of all its citizens, yet it appears to be disregarding its obligations under international law.
“Denying Chere access to necessary medical care for a chronic kidney condition further compounds these egregious human rights abuses,” reads the report.
The ARTUZ report also points to a wider crackdown on civil society, with numerous incidents of harassment against union members, including repeated postponements of court cases, fabricated charges, and violent attacks.
The case of Ronald Hondongwa, the Harare province Secretary General, stands out as particularly troubling, according to the report.
Hondongwa was “was viciously attacked and arrested while peacefully commemorating the Day of the African Child, is particularly egregious.
“The fact that he has severe physical disabilities which make basic tasks like feeding and bathing extremely difficult highlights the callous disregard for his wellbeing and human dignity,” states the report.
In light of these alarming developments, the report calls for the international community to take urgent action.
“The international community must urgently intervene to put an end to these abuses and hold the Zimbabwean government accountable for its flagrant disregard for human rights.
“The safety and wellbeing of ARTUZ leaders and members must be guaranteed, and their right to organize and advocate for improved working conditions and educational standards must be protected,” the union said.
The report warns that “Failing to address these human rights violations would be a grave injustice and would further embolden the Zimbabwean government to continue its repressive actions.
“The world must stand in solidarity with the teachers of Zimbabwe and demand an immediate end to this campaign of persecution.”
